04/03/24

By: FHSU Foundation

HAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State University celebrated the upcoming renovation of Forsyth Library with a groundbreaking ceremony yesterday afternoon. A packed crowd gathered to catch a glimpse of plans for the library’s nearly $28 million transformation.

U.S. Senator Jerry Moran, FHSU President Dr. Tisa Mason, Dean of Library Services Ginger Williams, and FHSU Foundation President and CEO Jason Williby shared their remarks at the groundbreaking about how these updates will uphold the university’s commitment to keeping the library a central academic and cultural hub.

“Forsyth Library has always been the heart of Fort Hays State, but it’s time to modernize the library’s amenities for future generations of FHSU students. Beyond fixing aging elements like the leaking roof, weathered stairs, and faulty HVAC systems, the renovated library will be serene with lasting structural integrity,”  Williby said.

“This is more than a construction project,” Williams said. “It’s an investment in the future of learning at FHSU. Since the building opened in 1967, the way students use libraries has evolved beyond our facility’s current capabilities.”

Williams noted that beyond revamping the library’s appearance, the renovation will bring life to the space, making it a haven for focused study and a vibrant hub for innovation and collaboration. Student-requested features, like more group and individual study rooms, books on each floor, increased natural light, improved Wi-Fi, and a café, will make the library a must for students needing a quiet space away from busy campus life.

Partners in the library’s large transformation include FHSU’s Honors College, Institute for New Media Studies, MakerSpace, and Writing Center – all of which will be housed in the renovated Forsyth Library to provide convenient access for students. The renovation project will also allow FHSU to preserve the past by taking special care of university archival materials in a new climate-controlled space. Williams closed with a thank you to Senator Moran for his instrumental role in securing $19 million in federal grant funding to help make the project a reality.

Senator Moran grew up near Hays and understands how significant this project is to western Kansas.

“The future of this part of Kansas, and in many ways, the future of our entire state, is determined by our educational institutions,” Moran said. “For us, what happens at Fort Hays State is a determining factor of whether or not we have a future.”

He emphasized how critical libraries are in developing a highly skilled and trained citizenry and workforce before wrapping up his remarks with a story.

“Libraries matter to me because growing up in rural western Kansas, they were the doors and the windows to the rest of the world,” Moran said. “We want Forsyth Library to be the best of the best – to have the necessary services to connect people here with the rest of the world. I'm honored to be here and look forward to this development.”

Construction will begin this summer with initial work on the front foyer and south entrance. Phased construction with PGAV Architects out of Kansas City and PWC in Hays as general contractor will continue for about two years, with completion expected in summer 2026.

Those who couldn’t attend the groundbreaking event will have two final opportunities to tour the library on April 20 and May 4 before the facility officially closes for construction this summer. Guests can RSVP for a tour at foundation.fhsu.edu/forsyth-library-event.

In addition, Forsyth Library’s blog – ltblogs.fhsu.edu/forsythrenovation – is a great resource for those wanting to follow renovation progress.

President Tisa Mason sincerely thanked those who’ve already stepped forward to financially support the renovation or have named a space within the library. The university is calling on alumni and friends of the library to help close a $3 million gap needed for the Forsyth Library renovations.

There are several ways to support this incredible and much-needed project. Make a gift at foundation.fhsu.edu/forsyth-library-renovation in any amount, or consider naming a space in the library in honor of a friend, family member, loved one, or business. More than 70 spaces are available on a first-come-first-served basis in varying amounts. This could include naming a classroom or study space, the upper-level gallery space, or welcome desk. Mary Hammond with the FHSU Foundation is available to answer questions at 785-628-4728 or by email at mshammond2@fhsu.edu for those inspired to leave their mark on this exciting project.